Lafayette police arrest Centaurus High student, 16, in pipe bomb case

Students returned to Centaurus High School this morning, May 14, 2013, a day after the campus was shut down after an explosive device was discovered inside. (Mitchell Byars / Daily Camera)

Lafayette police announced this morning that they have arrested a 16-year-old male student in connection with an explosive device left at Centaurus High School on Monday.

The teen, who has not been identified because he is a minor, was arrested Monday night at his parents' house, according to Lafayette police Chief Rick Bashor.

"Lafayette police along with FBI and ATFworked through the night to solve this case," Bashor said.

The suspect could face charges including two counts of possession of incendiary materials, felony menacing and interfering with an educational institution.

Bashor said further evidence linking the suspect to the explosive device was discovered at his family's house.

The police chief did not comment on any possible motive, but he did say he believes the school is now safe.

"The evidence we found indicates the students are safe and the teachers are safe," Bashor said.

Centaurus junior Annie Nagel said while the incident yesterday was scary, she felt it was safe to return to school today.

"I know police were here for a long time and swept the area," she said. "I trust the people in charge."

But for some of the students returning to school Tuesday morning, there were still some lingering concerns.

"I don't think we should have had school today," said freshman Destiny Johnstone. "What if it happens again? I think it's too soon."

An explosive device that police described as being "very similar to a pipe bomb" was found Monday morning by a teacher inside Centaurus High School, forcing the evacuation of the school and the closure of South Boulder Road for several hours.

Lafayette Cmdr. Gene McCausey said the device had a 9-volt battery and could have hurt those in close proximity had it exploded without being removed from the school building by the teacher.

The device was detonated by the Boulder County bomb squad away from the school.

Bashor said while they don't encouarage people to handle explosive devices, the teacher acted on their instincts.

"They thought it was the best thing for the students," Bashor said.

A police bomb squad member works to detonate a possible bomb found at Centaurus High School on Monday, May 13, 2013, in Lafayette.
(
Jeremy Papasso
)

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